If you have a weakness for cookies that are the perfect blend of nutty, sweet, and irresistibly soft, then you’re in for a treat with this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine creamy peanut butter and melty chocolate chips to create little bites of heaven that literally dissolve on your tongue. Perfectly coated in powdered sugar, they look just like snowballs, making each one as delightful to see as it is to devour. Whether for holiday gatherings or an everyday indulgence, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the creamy peanut butter lending richness and moisture, to the mini chocolate chips delivering bursts of gooey sweetness. Together, they make the magic happen in this Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: At room temperature, it creames smoothly for a tender cookie texture.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Provides the signature nutty flavor and moist softness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Scoop and level for the perfect dough consistency.
- 2 cups mini chocolate chips: Tiny pools of chocolate joy in every cookie.
- Powdered sugar: For rolling, giving the cookies their characteristic snowball appearance and a delicate sweetness.
How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This simple prep prevents sticking and ensures your cookies bake evenly, forming that lovely golden edge without any fuss.
Step 2: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and silky. This step is crucial because a well-creamed base will give your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Next, stir in vanilla extract for a hint of warmth, then gradually add the all-purpose flour to bring the dough together until soft but not sticky. Finally, fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully to distribute those bursts of chocolate delight evenly throughout each cookie.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, scoop it out and roll it into 1-inch balls. Placing the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets gives them room to spread gently without merging into one another. This spacing is key for keeping the round, snowball-like shape that makes these cookies so charming.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 18 minutes or until you notice the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. It’s important not to overbake since these cookies continue to firm up as they cool and you want that soft, tender center. The smell that wafts from the oven at this point is nothing short of irresistible!
Step 5: Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—they are delicate when warm—then roll each one in powdered sugar to coat. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, give them a second roll in powdered sugar for that snow-kissed finish that’s both pretty and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Serve Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate these cookies even further, a light dusting of cocoa powder mixed with powdered sugar makes for a subtle chocolatey shimmer on top. Alternatively, a tiny drizzle of melted peanut butter or chocolate over the cooled snowballs adds a decorative flair and a taste boost that guests will love.
Side Dishes
These snowball cookies are a wonderful companion to a classic glass of cold milk or a frothy cup of your favorite coffee or hot chocolate. Because they’re sweet and rich, pairing them with a simple beverage lets you appreciate each flavor without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gift-giving, stack these cookies in a clear glass jar tied with a festive ribbon. Line a dessert platter with colorful holiday napkins and sprinkle extra powdered sugar around the edges to create a snowy landscape for your Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe. Presentation this charming makes them instantly irresistible and conversation-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover snowball cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to one week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for snacking or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again to refresh their snowy charm.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. The chocolate chips will soften and the peanut butter aroma will come alive, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven feel in seconds.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter will add a lovely nutty texture to your cookies, which some people really enjoy. Just be aware that it might slightly change the melt-in-your-mouth consistency but the flavor remains fantastic.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
The first coating on warm cookies helps the powdered sugar stick perfectly. After they cool, rolling them again creates that classic snowball look and adds an extra layer of sweetness. It’s all about appearance and taste!
Can I substitute the mini chocolate chips for something else?
Sure! Chopped peanuts, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips work wonderfully. Just pick your favorite mix-in to customize the flavor while keeping the texture balanced.
My cookies spread too much and lost the ball shape. What went wrong?
This can happen if the dough is too soft or warm before baking. Make sure your butter and peanut butter are just at room temperature, and don’t over-mix the dough. Also, chilling the dough slightly before rolling can help maintain the shape.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is simple and kid-friendly, with no complicated steps. Kids will love rolling the dough balls and coating them in powdered sugar, making baking both fun and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and joyful about a cookie that literally melts away on your tongue, with the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate nestled inside. This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe is straightforward yet special enough to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. I truly hope you give it a try and discover how effortlessly these cookies can brighten up any moment, from cozy family evenings to festive celebrations.
Print
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies feature a rich, creamy peanut butter dough studded with mini chocolate chips. Baked until just golden, they are rolled twice in powdered sugar, creating a delicate, snowy coating that enhances their tender, melt-away texture. Perfect for holiday gifting or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, scooped and leveled
- 2 cups mini chocolate chips
For Rolling
- Powdered sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature unsalted butter, creamy peanut butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix thoroughly. Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour until a soft dough forms, then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place each dough ball about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow space for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden brown. Be careful not to overbake as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, and you want them to remain soft and tender.
- Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up slightly. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat thoroughly. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Double-Coat in Powdered Sugar: Once completely cool, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time to create a delicate, snowy outer layer that enhances both appearance and flavor. Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Make sure to use room temperature butter to ensure it creams properly with the peanut butter and sugar.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should be soft when taken out as they firm up while cooling.
- Rolling cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them their signature snowball appearance and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
- These cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Adjust flour measurement slightly if dough feels too sticky or too dry for easy shaping.
